By 1955, Chrysler made the Imperial its own division, setting it up to compete with Cadillac and Lincoln and stripping the “Chrysler” badge from its flanks. But whereas Cadillac and Lincoln had their own dealerships, the Imperial was sold… more»
Imperial
Jan 30, 2025 • For Sale • 19 Comments
Big Finned Project: 1957 Imperial Crown
Chrysler Corporation entered 1957 with a lot to be proud of: A completely new line of “Forward Look” cars shocked the industry and their new “Torsion-Aire” suspension proclaimed their technical prowess. In hindsight, we know that mediocre build quality… more»
Jan 22, 2025 • For Sale • 19 Comments
Rare 1 of 10: 1965 Chrysler Imperial Stretch Limo
Chrysler redesigned its top-of-the-line automobile in 1964, the Imperial. Since 1955, it had been sold as its own brand, though that was still at Chrysler dealers and still using Chrysler hardware. The ‘65s were little changed and the seller’s… more»
Jan 3, 2025 • For Sale • 24 Comments
Johnny Fontaine Edition: 1981 Imperial By Chrysler
It’s bada bing time! Motorapido has discovered a listing for a 1981 Frank Sinatra edition Imperial. This version of Chrysler’s top-drawer Imperial brand is a pretty rare bird and possesses its own uniqueness – it’s certainly a worthwhile discovery…. more»
Dec 29, 2024 • For Sale • 8 Comments
Fit For A King? 1963 Imperial LeBaron
I suppose if you were ChryCo’s darling race car driver and you wanted to keep up appearances on and off the track, your overlord would want to assist that said driver in always looking his best. And, one way… more»
Dec 22, 2024 • For Sale • 17 Comments
60k-Mile Survivor: 1967 Imperial by Chrysler
The Imperial had been Chrysler’s top luxury brand since 1926. To help it better compete against Cadillac and Lincoln, it was spun off as a separate make in 1955 (which may or may not have helped). This 1967 edition… more»
Dec 16, 2024 • For Sale • 12 Comments
Rolling Land Yacht: 1960 Imperial by Chrysler
For many moons, the Imperial was Chrysler Corporation’s top-of-the-line automobile. But the powers that be thought the Chrysler brand detracted from Imperial sales against Cadillac and Lincoln, so they positioned it as a brand of its own in 1955…. more»
Dec 9, 2024 • For Sale • 11 Comments
12k-Mile Survivor? 1963 Chrysler Imperial
The Imperial was Chrysler’s premium automobile dating to 1926. In 1955, hoping to better distinguish it from other Chrysler products, the company branded the line strictly as Imperials. The goal was to try to catch up with Cadillac and… more»
Nov 23, 2024 • For Sale • 20 Comments
Solid Mauve Project: 1960 Imperial Custom
Mauve was in the air at Chrysler Corporation in 1960, and one of the great Barn Finds Mysteries of today is the following: Is this 1960 Imperial painted Dawn Mauve or Dusk Mauve? The paint has taken on that faded glow… more»
Nov 10, 2024 • For Sale • 10 Comments
“Drive It Home”: 1963 Imperial Crown
Ah, to be a fly on the wall in Chrysler Corporation’s styling department in the early 1960s, where asymmetrical and anachronistic sketches were immediately stamped “OK” and sent to the sculptors. OK, that’s an exaggeration, but there’s a refreshing… more»
Nov 2, 2024 • For Sale • 46 Comments
“Zero Problems”: 1965 Imperial Crown Four-Door
In terms of Big Three luxury cars in the 1950s and ’60s, it was really Cadillac and everyone else (at least in terms of overall sales), but that didn’t mean that everyone else stopped trying. The Lincoln Continental was… more»
Sep 30, 2024 • For Sale • 40 Comments
Stored 40 Years: 1963 Imperial LeBaron
The Imperial became Chrysler’s top-of-the-line automobile in 1926. For most of its life, it was in third place in luxury car sales behind Cadillac and Lincoln. To help balance the playing field, Chrysler spun the Imperial off as its… more»
Sep 3, 2024 • For Sale • 20 Comments
Complete Project! 1957 Imperial Crown Four-Door Southampton
Forward Look styling swept the Chrysler brands for model year 1957, with fins across the board. Imperial stood alone at the top of the family tree. This 1957 Imperial Crown Four-Door Southampton in Winchester, New Hampshire seeks a new… more»
Sep 1, 2024 • For Sale • 23 Comments
A Warehouse Full Of Classic Cars And Parts!
Barn Finds reader T.J. recently spotted this warehouse chock full of cars and parts for sale in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and we’d like to thank him right off the bat for bringing this large collection to our attention! Not only… more»
Aug 21, 2024 • For Sale • 32 Comments
One Of Only 1,500! 1960 Imperial Custom
The seller of this 1960 Imperial Custom two-door hardtop, or a “Southampton” as the hardtop was known, claims rarity with only 1,500 copies produced. My research reveals 1,498 so I’d say we’re good to go! Also claimed is a… more»
Aug 10, 2024 • For Sale • 7 Comments
Warehoused for Many Years: 1963 Imperial LeBaron
We rarely see a top-of-the-line 1963 Imperial LeBaron here on Barn Finds because so few were made – only 1,537. Back in 1963, Cadillac was still the king of American luxury motor cars by a long shot (163,174 units),… more»
